OKMULGEE, Okla. – The smell of barbeque and the sound of fellowship was present at the Mvskoke Riders’ fundraiser held at the Okmulgee Indian Community Center on May 9. The menu featured classic barbeque fixings including pulled pork, potato salad and baked beans. Mvskoke Rider T-shirts and tank tops were also available for sale. Proceeds from the fundraiser directly benefited the group’s lodging for the annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Ride.
The Mvskoke Corakkoohlikv, the Mvskoke Riders, is an intertribal funeral escort motorcycle group that “goes the last mile” for Mvskoke veterans who have passed away. They can also be found at the MCN Festival, parades and veteran events. Their biggest ride of the year, the Trail of Tears Commemorative Ride, starts in Chattanooga and ends in Okmulgee and is sponsored by Crockett Powersports. The annual ride honors the ancestors that were forced to walk on the removal trail.
According to Mvskoke Riders Commander Robert Solomon (Mvskoke), this is not the only Trail of Tears ride, however it is special because riders collect donations for the College of the Muscogee Nation. Solomon is an army veteran and has been riding motorcycles since 2004. Leading the group gives Solomon a humble purpose.
“Its a real good feeling riding with veterans and non veterans,” Solomon said. “It’s real good on the heart, honoring the fallen veterans.”
Mvskoke Riders Vice Commander Bill Harjo Jr. (Mvskoke) is one of the group’s leaders and has been riding with the group since 2023. Although he is not a veteran, his dad, Bill Harjo Sr. was a member of the armed forces.
“We just try to get out there for the people. We’re the only tribal motorcycle honor guard around,” Bill Harjo Jr. said. “We just do whatever we can do to help people.”
Over the past few years the group has made a name for themselves throughout the Native communities on the reservation. Not only do they serve veterans and their families, but the community as well. Last year they hung Christmas lights at the Murrow Indian Children’s Home in Muskogee. The group also volunteers quarterly at food drives held at the Mvskoke Dome.
According to Bill Harjo Jr., when families of veterans see the Mvskoke Riders pull up to “go the last mile” at a funeral, it leaves family members astonished.
“When we show up on our motorcycles, they just can’t believe it,” Bill Harjo Jr. said. “They really appreciate it, all the stuff we do. They can hardly talk when they tell us how much they appreciate what we do for the veterans. We always try to show up when they need us.”
Solomon remarked that providing a motorcycle escort at funerals is bittersweet. On the one hand, it is sad to see a fellow soldier pass away. On the other hand, it means a lot for the riders to help bring closure to the families of veterans.
“It makes us feel good too,” Solomon said. “It shows that someone outside of the family supports their family member who is a veteran.”
The group accepts donations and invites anyone who is interested to join, regardless if they are a veteran or not. For more information, contact 918-490-1142, or visit the group’s Facebook page, Mvskoke Riders.
